Fond du Lac Police Department Officer Ryan Williams and his K-9 Grendel were both struck by gunfire early Sunday morning on Lincoln Avenue. Both are in critical condition. / Submitted photo

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The Reporter

Vest-A-Dog

In Janesville, Donna Morgan felt a chill when she watched Sunday’s newscast about the officer shootings in Fond du Lac.As founder of Wisconsin Vest-A-Dog, she’s made it a mission to provide every Wisconsin K-9 with bullet- and stab-resistant vests. She said she hasn’t been able to equip Fond du Lac K-9s with vests.Vest-A-Dog has donated 118 vests to police departments across the state since 2005, but more dogs still need them. Morgan said vests are purchased through donations, and each costs $840.Donors can direct which dog or police department they would like to support, she said. Visit www.wivestadog.org for more information.

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A K-9 shot during Sunday’s fatal officer shooting in Fond du Lac is in intensive care following emergency surgery at an Appleton animal hospital.

The German shepherd was shot when Jimmy Cruckson, 30, opened fire on officers from his 24 S. Lincoln Ave. residence Sunday morning.

Officer Craig Birkholz was shot and killed at the scene and Officer Ryan Williams, Grendel’s handler, was shot and remains in critical condition at a Neenah hospital.

Grendel was transported to Fox Valley Animal Referral Center in Appleton, where he underwent surgery for abdominal and chest trauma, a spokeswoman said.

Veterinarian Lisa Peters said Grendel was in critical condition Monday but responsive. Peters said the K-9 was up and walked a little, but remains in intensive care.

She said it’s too early to say if Grendel will be able to return to police work. Dogs can make a full recovery, she said, but it’s difficult to say at this point what Grendel’s prognosis will be.

Grendel is a popular Police Department K-9 and in addition to his duties, he represents the department at local events, including community socials and Fond du Lac Humane Society’s Wag & Walk fundraiser.

Help

Animal lovers near and far are rallying for Grendel.

When Leila Gitter and Chris Lang found out that one of their clients was hurt, they knew they had to act. The women set up a donation jar at their pet grooming business, Tails A Waggin, 467 S. Main St. Money will help offset Grendel’s medical bills, Gitter said.

Gitter told The Reporter that Fond du Lac Police Department K-9s Grendel and Paco are brought in a few times a year for grooming.

“He’s (Grendel) the kind of dog Ryan didn’t have to stay with,” she said. “He’s a really cool K-9. We’re praying for him.”